Tropic Air advises they have flown and are flying theirregular schedule to and from Ambergris Caye this morning, but are inwait-and-see mode regarding afternoon flights.

Their and Maya-Island's pilots are all bush-qualified, highly skilledin blustery and crosswind conditions. This is good news, becausepeople with special needs, tourists unduly worried about theprospects, etc. have a way off the island. Tropic did not indicate anybooked-full or sold-out situations. Tickets still available. Islandpeople,obviously, not seeing fit to flee.

During Hurricane Mitch's approach in '98, both airlines continued tomeet high evacuation demands after conditions went under minimums,quite heroically. When they finally had to move out their planes toprotect them, they virtually tumbled into the air getting away.

At present, THERE ARE NOT GOING TO BE ANY FLIGHTS TO SAN PEDRO afternoon, if atnoon. There is a good chance the 11:00 outbound flights won't return,the planes are to be taken to Belmpan. This from JOHNNY GREIF. BUT --obviously, if conditions should alter, unexpectedly, and warrant, hewill keep'em flying as long as he can, for business purpose andtourist convenience, not for evacuation. No locals on the island areworried.

An advisory obtained by Tropic Air from government this morningpredicted Keith's highest impact on Belize will be maximum sustainedwinds of 50 miles an hour with higher gusts. This will necessitateevacuating aircraft to avoid their being damaged on the ground,probably around noontime, possibly sooner. Boats are also at somerisk, and of course, as are tree limbs and any light items.

Islanders are not crowding the available seats on the last flights outprior to taking the aircraft to safety. People are essentiallybattening down hatches, but not alarmed.